[suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
[chains rattling]
[lively music playing over speaker]
[Mephisto III] The town's all spruced up for Christmas.
It's nice to see everything livened up like this, don't you think?
[Akuma] It's absurd.
Of course you'd say that.
[Akuma scoffing]
So what's your beef?
Is it that you just don't understand celebrating the birthday of a stranger?
[Akuma] No aspect of this holiday makes sense.
It isn't even his actual birthday.
[Mephisto III] Huh?
[Akuma] You won't find a single passage in the Bible
that so much as implies Christ was born on December 25th.
[Mephisto III] Who cares?
[Akuma] The most convincing explanation is that since his birthday was unknown,
it was set near the winter solstice.
Mithraism, which had grown under Roman rule,
had a festival that celebrated the winter solstice.
Many believe that Christianity just assimilated it.
But in reality...
Feel free to skip ahead to the point, Mr. Scrooge
[Akuma] I started with the point.
Christmas is absurd.
I do admit that it has an economic effect.
It's an excuse for people to eat food they wouldn't normally eat,
and to give each other presents.
It's almost like you want people to hate you.
This isn't that complicated.
Cake is delicious. Roast chicken is too.
Parties are fun! So enjoy them.
Speaking of cake and parties,
I don't think we should celebrate birthdays either.
[Mephisto III] What's wrong with you?
KAMICHOFU SHOPPING ARCADE
[opening theme music playing]
AKUMA KUN
[indistinct chatter]
[both] Hmm?
[Mephisto III] Uncle Shingo.
Oh, hey. It's pretty chilly out here.
I hope you two haven't caught colds.
- Your birthday's coming up, Ichiro. - [whimsical music playing]
[Akuma] So what?
[Shingo] Well, if you've got time, why don't we have dinner together?
[Akuma] Why bother?
That's just the day that you took me in.
It isn't my true birthday any more than Christmas is Jesus Christ's.
I know you're aware of this,
but December 25th doesn't need to be the literal birthday of Jesus...
It's the day we celebrate his birth.
And that makes it special.
A little like how the day that we became father and son is special.
I don't suppose you wish we'd set your birthday on a less significant date.
That's a weak comparison.
What's more, you're working off the faulty premise
that these things merit celebration.
[Shingo sighing]
All Uncle Shingo said was that he wanted to have dinner with you.
It isn't that big of a deal.
[Akuma groaning]
Say, if you're gonna be around,
you should pop by Dad's place for a drink.
Good idea.
Thanks for your kindness, Mephisto.
I'll drop in again soon, Ichiro.
[ominous music playing]
[portal warbling]
This card...
[footsteps approaching]
[Mephisto II] What's wrong?
Why'd you suddenly need to see me?
I'd like you... to come with me for a bit.
[lively music playing]
[Etsuko] Wow, it's been a while.
[Shingo] How've you been?
You should've said you were coming, Shingo.
- I'd've made a lot more. - [Shingo] Sorry.
Etsuko, today is...
[Etsuko gasping] Oh, that's right!
Isn't it Ichiro's...
I brought something for you.
[Etsuko gasping] For me?
Delicious fried dumplings?
Oh, you're the best brother ever.
You sure are easy to bribe with food.
I'm real easy to bribe with liquor too.
[Etsuko giggling]
- [Mephisto III] Oh, Uncle Shingo. - [Shingo] Hmm?
Welcome.
[liquid pouring]
Has work been keeping you as busy as usual, Etsuko?
Yeah, it's the same as always.
I was hoping the uptick of remote meetings would make things easier,
but I was wrong.
Please remember to put your health first.
I know how much you like to worry about others,
but we're doing just fine, I promise.
So how are things with your boy?
Will you need much more time to make up with him?
[scoffing] That arrogant punk turned down Uncle Shingo's invitation again.
Why can't he see how Uncle Shingo feels?
No clue, but feelings shouldn't be rushed.
Your father and I took our time about getting married and look at us now,
We're a cozy pair of love-doves.
Etsuko, stop.
[Etsuko] What, honey?
We don't have anything to be embarrassed about.
Thanks for the meal.
[Etsuko] Oh, what's the matter? No seconds today?
Bye, Uncle.
Make yourself at home, okay?
Thanks, will do.
[door opening]
[door closing]
[Mephisto II] I think Ichiro does know how you feel.
He just can't accept his own feelings yet.
[Shingo] I hope that's all it is.
I wonder...
[Mephisto II] Hmm.
Have I honestly done enough for him to call myself a good father?
- [Etsuko] Hey! Shingo Umoregi! - [Shingo] Huh?
What the heck are you second-guessing yourself for?
The Shingo Umoregi I know doesn't give up for nothing.
[Shingo] You're right, sis.
Don't tell my son I admitted this,
but I don't even know if I've been a good parent or not.
I think it's pretty clear
that you and Mephisto the Second are great parents.
[Etsuko] Yeah? And what makes a great parent?
I'm pretty sure it varies from kid to kid, right?
Which means that only our kids can judge that!
Outsiders definitely shouldn't have a say in it.
They can all keep their stupid mouths shut.
Oh, wow...
[inaudible]
[Mephisto II] I think she's right.
Children can't help but watch their parents.
They see our good
Traits as well as our bad traits...
Aloof as Ichiro may act,
he knows that his father cares about him...
I'm sure of it.
[Shingo grunting]
If he thought you were a bad dad,
he'd've never taken over running the Millenarianism Research place.
Heck! Most kids would've refused.
He's a good boy, you know that?
[Shingo chuckling nervously]
[Etsuko] He's a good 'un.
Thanks a million, Etsuko.
- [Etsuko exhaling] - [object clattering]
[Etsuko snoring]
[Mephisto II] Good grief. [sighing]
She monologues then falls asleep.
[Etsuko muttering, snoring]
Here's the thing, Akuma Kun...
[Shingo chuckling]
Uh, what's so funny?
I just haven't heard you call me that in a long time.
[Mephisto II] Well, I know you don't want me to call you brother
just because I married your sister.
Either way.
Even after all this time,
I'm still not sure what the Millennium Kingdom is supposed to be.
But thanks to Etsuko and Mephisto the Third,
I know exactly what happiness is.
So, I know that a world
Where humans and demons can happily coexist is an admirable dream.
All I want is for Mephisto the Third to be happy
That's what you want too, right?
You want Ichiro to be happy.
[Shingo] Mm-hmm.
So how do you hope to get him there?
Well, first off, I want him to learn what friendship is.
I doubt there's a more reliable source of happiness in existence.
[Mephisto II] I like it.
[Shingo] Let's watch over our boys together.
[Mephisto II] Right.
[music fades]
[Mio] Whoa there, partner!
Your stone's been rolling a long time,
but It stops here.
I've been watching, waiting,
and now you're here.
[wind blowing]
[Mio] And it's high noon.
Now pay...
the rent!
[all grunting]
[Mio] Mio Punch! Mio Kick! Mio Headbutt!
- [whimsical music playing] - [Akuma groaning]
By the way what present did you ask Santa for this year, Akuma Kun?
[groaning] You mean Santa Claus?
[Mio] Yeah. What's the look for?
I'm just wondering why you would believe in that kind of thing?
'Cause there's proof!
Pray to God and ask for a present, you won't get squat.
But ask the Santa for a present, and he'll bring them every year!
Therefore, he's real.
[Akuma] Hmm.
You're saying that if, A, you don't exist, then, B, you don't bring presents.
So it follows that, B, you do bring presents,
then, A, you do exist.
Huh. That seems like a perfect contrapositive.
- [Mio grunting] - [door opening]
- [Sanae] Mio! - [Mio] Hmm?
It's time for lunch.
[Mio] Coming! Let's go, Chusuke.
[Chusuke exclaiming]
Hello, Akuma Kun.
Thanks for taking time to play with her.
You're so sweet.
[music fades]
[Mephisto III] I saw Mio just now.
She seemed really excited.
Said you told her she had done something perfectly?
Just what were you two doing?
[Akuma] She was just telling me to pay the rent.
Yeah. She gave me a harsh reminder as well.
[Mephisto III sighing]
[Akuma] If there's something you want to say, then spit it out.
No.
Well, yeah, actually...
You know about that new pancake... I mean, hotcake place?
It just opened on the other side of the station, apparently.
[Akuma] At the edge of the second district,
Amigo Panqueque?
[Mephisto III] Oh, so you know it?
[Akuma] Well, I read about it.
Then, how'd you like to go?
If you want, I could treat you.
[Akuma] My birthday was yesterday.
[Mephisto III] It's not about that.
- And Christmas is coming up anyway, so... - [Akuma groaning]
- Hmm? Uh... - [Akuma] You working for Santa?
[groaning] This Christmas is...
Sure, why not?
I'll let you treat me.
[Mephisto III] Wow. What have I done to deserve this honor?
[funky music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
How is it?
[Akuma] Hmm. [gulping]
Sixteenth best hotcakes I've had.
That's pretty high up there, actually.
While we're on the subject, I never thought to ask you this before.
[Akuma] What?
Who made the hotcakes that took the number one spot for you?
Number one?
[Akuma gulping]
I don't remember.
Sure, you don't.
[Akuma gulping]
[Mephisto III] Do you, uh...
[Akuma] Do I what?
Do you remember the day we met?
I'm just about sure it was on your birthday.
[Akuma] Nope. Forgot.
Oh, I see.
[birds chirping]
[Sanae] Sorry about the mess.
It's been a while, so I haven't had the chance to clean.
[Mephisto II] No. It's lovely.
Thanks for having us.
[Sanae] Always!
Next time you see Etsuko, please give her my best.
[Mephisto II] Of course.
[Shingo] Hey, Ichiro.
Come over here and say hello, will you?
[Mephisto III] That's the guy?
[Mephisto II] Yes. That's Ichiro Umoregi,
also known as the next Akuma Kun.
[dramatic music playing]
[Shingo] Ichiro,
this is the fellow I told you about, Mephisto the Third.
Young man, I'd like you and Ichiro to be friends.
Hey.
Nice to meet you.
[Akuma] So this is the half-demon you've been talking up.
[Mephisto III] Hmm?
Are you sure he'll be useful?
He's a person! Address him with respect!
But what's the point if he's only half as strong as a demon?
[Shingo] Don't talk like that!
You'll be friends soon, and friendship's about more than how useful you are.
[scoffing] Why would I be his friend?
Remember what I said?
Ichiro had it rough, so he doesn't know what a friend is.
I'm counting on your assistance, Mephisto the Third.
Well, that's a shame, 'cause this ain't happening!
Could you give it a try?
We're hoping you'll work together to create the Millennium Kingdom.
Wait. What's the Millennium Kingdom?
It's a classic case of parents trying to force their kids to do what they couldn't.
And it's exactly as selfish as it sounds.
[Mephisto III] My dad isn't selfish at all!
I bet you're just scared.
You don't think you have what it takes to build the Millennium Kingdom!
You got abandoned by humans and demons, right?
How could a jerk...
[Mephisto II] Hey, cool it. Give him a break.
That "Flute of Solomon" must be losing its touch or something,
'cause a condescending jerk like you could never be Akuma Kun!
[Akuma] Yeah. I agree.
[Mephisto III] Huh?
Why would you agree?!
[Mephisto II] You know, they say that best friends can argue freely.
[Shingo] We've got faith in you kids! Come here!
[Mephisto III] Hey! Wait a second!
And we ultimately ended up working together.
So we did.
[Mephisto III] I hear my dad and Uncle Shingo
had a terrible first meeting, too.
But fast-forward to now, and they're best of friends,
so I don't suppose...
you think that could end up happening with you and me.
[Akuma] I don't know.
- [waiter] Excuse me. - Yes?
Mind if I drop off another serving?
Uh, we didn't order that, but sure.
- [man] It's from me. - [all] Hmm?
[plate clattering]
Now, don't be shy. Dig right in!
Oh. We appreciate it, sir.
[Mephisto III] At least throw out a thank you before you stuff your face!
I'm digging in, like he said.
[man] It's fine.
So, uh, why the gift?
Well I couldn't help but overhear you two talking, and, uh...
I suppose you remind me of my younger days.
Uh-huh...
[man] Perhaps you also reminded me of my son.
[dramatic music playing]
Well, full disclosure, he's actually the son of my best friend.
I watched him grow up,
and one of my greatest hopes for him was that he finds a true friend.
Take that as you will.
[clothes rustling]
[object clanking]
By way of thanking you for listening to this old man ramble,
I'll give you this.
[Akuma gasping, sniffing]
This is Metaxa, right?
I'm surprised you've heard of the stuff.
It came up in a review I read in the World Hotcake Guide
about a place that serves a similar dish,
but this'll be the first time I've had it.
I'm glad to hear it.
[man grunting, straining]
Anyway, you boys enjoy.
Excuse me, Mister.
What's your name?
Mister Mizuki. It's a pleasure to meet you.
And so you know, this is my restaurant.
[Mephisto III] Huh.
The sweetness and aroma of the flambéed Metaxa on these hotcakes
makes them incredibly tasty.
They're the 12th best I've had.
Well anyway, I think you had better apologize to Uncle Shingo.
He was nice enough to try to give you a birthday.
You should respect that.
[Akuma] Ugh. Not happening.
Why you... Wait, is that all the hotcake I get?
[Akuma] You should be grateful that I left you anything.
[Mephisto III] Please! You are such a piece of work.
[Akuma munching]
[portal warbling]
[Shingo] Oh, Ichiro!
Usually, I have to nag you to get you to come visit me here.
I only came over to pick up a book I wanted to read.
Not to worry. You take as many books as you'd like.
[Akuma] I would've even without permission.
Hey, Dumb Dad.
[Shingo] Hmm?
[Akuma] Mephisto asked me to tell him who made the best hotcakes I've ever had.
[Shingo] Hmm?
[Shingo grunting]
[Akuma] He actually made the second-most delicious hotcakes I've had.
But the best are...
[Shingo] Uh...
[Akuma's voice breaking] I'll be back.
[Shingo] Hmm.
[Shingo chuckling]
[portal warbling]
[ominous music playing]
[Strophaia cackling]
Ah, sweet Aeshma.
Just you wait.
[Strophaia cackling]
[inhaling] The eyes are opening!
[Shingo grunting]
[deep rumbling]
[Strophaia cackling]
[Strophaia] Aeshma, Aeshma...
[ending theme music playing]
[Hyakume] So Ichiro does remember his favorite hotcakes.
- Wow! I bet they're super delicious! - [Shingo chuckling nervously]
[Hyakume] Mmm! I'd like to try them myself one day.
[Komorineko] I wonder who it was that made them?
Could it have been the original Akuma Kun?
[Shingo] Ichiro's the only Akuma Kun now.
[Komorineko] Well anyway, just between us three,
that Strophaia guy really gives me the creeps!
[Shingo] Strophaia? I... I wonder what he's planning to do.
[Hyakume] Wait a sec. You mean you don't know?
[Komorineko] Whatever his scheme, I bet it's as rotten and twisted as he is!
[Hyakume] If I ever get my hands on him, I'mma feed him some tasty food!
'Cause tasty food makes everyone happy!
[Komorineko] Hotcakes, ramen, cat rice!
[Hyakume] Sushi, barbecue, hamburger steak!
[Komorineko] Didn't know you ate such fancy food, Hyakume!
[Hyakume giggling] Sure do!
If you ask me, Ichiro's heart did a little growing,
and we have that tasty food to thank!
[Shingo] Ichiro reads a lot of books as well.
I think that they're helping him to grow a lot, too.
[Hyakume] To be eating hotcakes, or not to be eating hotcakes,
that is the question.
The answer is eat!
[Komorineko] Was that Shakespeare?
[Shingo] Huh. I didn't realize you were so well-read, Hyakume.
[Hyakume] Uh, Shakespeare? Never heard of him.
I saw something like that in an old manga I once read.
[Shingo laughing] Is that right?
I think the point of the line is that life is a series of choices.
[Komorineko] To cast pearls before swine,
or toss some chopped eel on rice to a catbat, that's the real question!
[Hyakume] I've made up my mind! Tomorrow, I'm eating Sukiyaki!!
[Komorineko] Pawdon me, are you fur real?
If so, I'm in!
Subtitle translation by: Chul Woong Kim